The Taylor High School varsity baseball team entered the last game of the regular season on a five-game winning streak.
After starting the season on a slower note, the Ducks are now firmly positioned into a playoff berth with a 6-3 record in district play.
“Right now, we are taking it one game at a time,” Head Coach Kale McQuillen said. “We have been working really well as a team. We are communicating well, hitting the ball and, most importantly, just having fun.”
After a 9-1 victory at home Friday, April 19, against Smithville High School, the first-year head coach believes Taylor’s hot streak is something that the team can build on as the postseason draws closer.
“If we continue to come together each game and play like we know how to play, I do think this will continue,” McQuillen said.
Senior Chris Perez, who McQuillen listed as his standout player for Friday’s game, pitched seven innings against the Tigers, striking out 15 batters, walking three Tigers and giving up just one hit.
McQuillen said Perez also contributed offensively, recording two hits and a RBI.
The Ducks got going early behind the plate, scoring three runs in the second inning. Taylor added five runs to increase the cushion in the fourth inning and scored their final run in the sixth.
Seniors Ayden Gutierrez and Aiden Aguero led the team with two RBIs each.
Taylor concluded the season against Manor New Tech, Tuesday, April 23. The Ducks beat the Titans 6-0 the last time the teams matched up in March.
Junior Nick Treuter takes a lead on the basepath during a recent 9-1 victory over Smithville. Prior to a scheduled matchup against Manor New Tech, the Ducks have won five in a row. Photos by Larry Pelchat
Junior Trey Stromberg steals a base during a matchup against the Smithville Tigers Friday, April 19, in Taylor.
